Greece: Day 4

We traveled to Delphi to see the ruins of what is known as the oracle and what also was a holy site where people gathered to give offerings of thanks or seek support for someone or something from the gods.  The site also was a place of culture and games (much like Olympia).

The drive to Delphi is spectacular.  You rise up from the sea to a perch with a view out over 3 million olive trees (yes, 3 million!) and down the drainage of two mountains coming together (a reminder of Montana).

What was striking about this site is the fact (as well with so much of the various sites in Greece) that it was such a vibrant place of religion, commerce, art and athleticism that, at a certain point, was literally buried, lost, and--most importantly--forgotten.  You realize the wealth of human ingenuity, artisanship, and beauty can be so easily buried by the violence, greed, and destruction of humanity.  I asked the kids if they could imagine the same thing happening to New York City.  I received incredulous stares, but the question is one that is vital to keep in front of us when considering what is it that we understand to be vital to living well together and for our posterity.

On the way to Delphi, we admired the mountain peak, Parnassus.  It is a great site to consider if you like to ski.  Yes, there is a beautiful mountain village that places you near the site of one of Greece's few ski areas.

Parnassus is also important because it is the very peak that the ark of Deucalion comes to rest in an ancient flood that covers the earth and Deucalion and his wife are the only survivors.  Sound familiar?  The sharing of ancient myths among the various traditions is extremely interesting and that which you cannot escape when amidst the history and mythological ferment of Greece.

Views from Delphi. . .

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